Arts Reporting: Paramount Theatre Selected for $25,000 grant by National Trust for Historic Preservation

Published at Preservation Nation, the blog of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, September 20:

The votes have been counted in the ‘This Place Matters’ Community Challenge and we’re pleased to announce that the Paramount Theater in Austin, Texas has won the popular vote – and $25,000. Runners up in the month-long online competition were the Tinker Cottage Museum in Illinois; the Pemberville Opera House in Ohio; the Ohio Theatre in Madison, IN; and the Mead Building in Yankton, SD.

While only the Paramount Theater won a cash award, many participating organizations reported that the very process of participating in the Challenge elevated community awareness for their historic projects and even uncovered new volunteers and supporters.

After September 21, voters will be encouraged to return to the This Place Matters website to ‘vote with their pocketbooks’ by making donations to their favorite project. 100% of funds collected on the This Place Matters site will be passed to the individual organizations.

(Click for background and for September 20 response from the theaters' management, September 20)

The announcement came shortly after the following e-mailed appeal on September 7 from Ken Stein,Executive Director for the Paramount and State Theatres:

I need your help while we keep the Paramount open during some significant plumping repairs occurring at the Theatre. If you have already made a donation in support of this project, I can’t thank you enough - but, read on for an update on how we are using your contribution.

The plumbing project I wrote you about a couple weeks ago has grown in scale and, therefore, more than doubled in cost.

Make a donation to ensure that the Paramount Theatre remains open while significant repairs are being completed.

To access pipes that are nearly 100 years old, a tunnel is being dug about 5 ½ feet under the Paramount’s lobby. It will extend the entire length from the north ground floor men’s lounge to the alley. The tunnel is being dug deep to ensure that the integrity of the historic interior remains undisturbed.

The expanded scope of the project is estimated to now cost the Paramount between $40,000 and $50,000. Your donation will go directly toward covering the cost of these much needed and immediate repairs.

Just like an old house, the Paramount Theatre requires a little extra TLC. Unforeseen repairs such as these occur in a 1915 building and that is why I need your help.

During this time, all of our regular programming is going on as scheduled. I’ll make sure to continue to keep you updated with photos and information on this important project.

Make a donation at this critical time and keep the Paramount Theatre in tip-top shape for the community for generations to come.

With sincere appreciation,

Ken A. Stein, Executive Director
The Paramount & State Theatres

PS. In honor of our Summer Classic Film Series, make a donation of $250 or more and receive your choice of DVD - Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948) or The Money Pit (1986).